Study projects 36% increase in colorectal cancer deaths by 2040

According to research coordinator Alfredo Scaff, the data show that most diagnoses occur in very advanced stages of the disease.

"In our survey, 78% of people who died were diagnosed at stages three or four, which drastically reduces the chances of a cure," warns Scaff.

According to the coordinator, the disease often develops slowly, starting with small spots that can develop into cancer over years. In addition to blood in the stool, warning signs include changes in bowel habits, such as stringy or diarrhea-like stools, persistent abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

"The information obtained from the bulletin showed that men and women who died from the disease were diagnosed in the most advanced stages," he added.

Colon and rectal cancers, which affect the intestine, are the third most common in Brazil, with around 45 thousand new cases per year, according to estimates from Inca (National Cancer Institute) for the three-year period from 2023 to 2025.

Public policies

For Scaff, the high fatality rate also demonstrates the lack of an early detection policy for colorectal cancer. The disease can be diagnosed through fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.